If you own a family dentistry facility, you want to make sure that your building can accommodate children as well as adults. Since kids regularly visit your establishment, have some kid-friendly activities available in the waiting area for them to enjoy. Here are some ideas you can use to make your dentist's office is fun for kids waiting to see the dentist.

Television Programming

If you have a small waiting area, you will want to have a television available for your patients to watch while they wait to see the dentist. Make sure you have programming appropriate for children on the television if kids are in the waiting area. Set the television to a family-based channel so everyone will be able to watch while waiting. If you have enough room for two televisions, leave one in the regular waiting area and have the other near children's activities. This way kids will be able to watch their own programs while waiting.

Coloring Table

Have a small table set up for children to color or draw while they wait for the dentist. Place coloring sheets out on the table that have dental themes on them so children can color them while learning about teeth. Consider hosting a monthly coloring contest at the office where the winner will be listed in the local newspaper. This will give kids the incentive to take their time when coloring so they have a piece of artwork that has a chance at a prize. Hang up all entries on the wall so each child can be proud of their piece after it is completed.

Puppet Show 

Place a large piece of cardboard box with a cut-out window on it in one corner of the room. Attach curtains over the cut-out so the window can be used to do puppet shows. Children can take turns playing with puppets that you have provided behind the window. Find puppets that have different sized teeth or make puppets of large teeth and a toothbrush so children can act out dental scenarios for each other.

Prize Box

After each child has their appointment, allow him or her to pick a prize from the treasure box. Place some sugar-free lollipops, pencils, stickers, and small dental-themed trinkets in the box for each child to sift through. Children love choosing between several different free surprises. These prizes will be very exciting for them after they get through their appointment.

For a family-friendly dentistry, visit Jeffrey S. Thaller DMD in Westfield, NJ. 

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